Inclusion

EXCLUSIVE: In an effort to expand the scope of representation and inclusion in the TV movie space, producers Jessica Yingling and Adam Ripp have launched Rom Com Pictures , which aims to develop and produce inclusive romance movies written by underrepresented writers whose stories appeal to audiences of all ages. “At Rom Com Pictures, diversity isn’t just a buzzword, it’s what we stand for,” said Yingling. “We have a true desire and passion to leverage our relationships in Hollywood and our expertise in development and filmmaking in order to amplify these marginalized voices. Adam and I are dedicated to creating a space where artists feel free and supported to express their unique personal visions.” Related Story New Hollywood Podcast: 'One Night In Miami's Kingsley Ben-Adir Talks Playing Malcolm X, Ice Cream And '90s Rave Music “Diversity and inclusivity doesn’t start and finish with the casting process,” added Ripp. “The origin of the story is where … [Read more...] about Rom Com Pictures Launches; Production Company To Focus On Inclusive Romance Movies

From American Gods to Power to P-Valley , it is clear that Starz is striving ahead and making huge efforts with inclusive storytelling. The premium cabler is looking to even be more inclusive as Starz President and CEO Jeffrey Hirsch of Starz announced that they are launching the #TakeTheLead initiative, a comprehensive effort deepening the company’s existing commitment to narratives by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences. S tarz commissioned an inclusion study in partnership with The Center for Scholars & Storytellers, UCLA with results confirming Starz is “Taking the Lead” (hence the title of the initiative) with its representation on and off screen. To inspire and engage others across the industry to follow suit and #TakeTheLead, Starz will also host a series of monthly “Transparency Talks” with thought leaders and members of key organizations including the ACLU of Southern California, Producers Guild of America, California Film Commission … [Read more...] about Starz Launches #TakeTheLead Initiative To Amplify Diverse Voices, Teams With UCLA For Inclusion Study

Nielsen is taking a fresh approach when it comes to examining diversity and representation on TV with the newly launched Gracenote Inclusion Analytics , which brings visibility to the gender, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation of talent appearing in TV programming and the audiences watching it. This is quite a groundbreaking feat that will empower content creators, owners, distributors and advertisers with data to enable more inclusive content. With Gracenote Inclusion Analytics data, a distributor can highlight content within its catalog featuring diverse female leads for Women’s History Month or fuel recommendations connecting fans of diverse content with programming that caters to their taste. In addition, a studio can evaluate whether its content meets Diversity, Equity and Inclusion benchmarks and highlight programs for licensing opportunities. A brand can identify and target the most inclusive content to inform its ad investment or product placement decisions. This … [Read more...] about Nielsen Launches Gracenote Inclusion Analytics To Bolster Diversity On TV

Vertical Entertainment has obtained the North American distribution rights to Emma Roberts -starring film In a Relationship , written and directed by first-time filmmaker Sam Boyd.  The comedy, which had its world premiere this year at the Tribeca, also stars Michael Angarano, Dree Hemingway, and Patrick Gibson. The plot centers on one summer in the lives of two couples: Long-term pair Owen and Hallie, who are are breaking up (or maybe not?), while Matt and Willa embark on a romance of their own just as their relationship reaches a turning point. Greta Lee, Gayle Rankin, Melora Walter and Jay Ellis co-star in the pic, which will get a theatrical bow later this year. Jorge Garcia Castro, David Hunter, Ross Putman and Boyd produced the film with executive producers Andres Icaza Ballesteros and Sergio Cortes Gomez of 2 Friends Media, Roberts, Karah Preiss, Will Russell-Shapiro, Jim Jacobsen and Stephen Braun. The deal was negotiated by Vertical’s Rich Goldberg and Peter Jarowey … [Read more...] about Vertical Acquires ‘In A Relationship’; Mucho Mas Media, 2 Friends Media Launch Inclusion – Film Briefs

USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative released a study today examining the diversity of Netflix ’s original content. If anything the study could be summarized by Dr. Stacy L. Smith who said in a video: “Inclusion happens when women are given the keys to the kingdom.” “I rarely have anything positive to say,” said Dr. Smith said during a symposium for the unveiling of the Netflix study. “This report was a bit of a reprieve from my typical rollout of information.” Dr. Smith was joined on the virtual panel by Netflix’s Bela Bajaria , Vice President, Global Series; Scott Stuber Vice President, Global Film; as well as Tigertail director Alan Yang and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom director George C. Wolfe . The USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative studies diversity in entertainment and has released numerous studies and reports when it comes to representation . Netflix commissioned Smith and initiative to study for its original, English-language series and film … [Read more...] about USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative Releases Netflix Diversity Study, Finds Women Of Color Are Critical Component Of Inclusion